Hardware setup help needed for iMac i7 (bootcamp)

In a few days, a 27" quad-core i7 iMac will be delivered to my doorstep. This is going to require some changes, audio-wise, as my old m-audio delta44 isn't going to work, if for no other reason than i'll have nowhere to plug it in. I've been mulling over the firewire vs. usb debate, and it looks like firewire is the way to go (if i'm dead wrong on this, feel free to let me know). What should I get to replace it?

As far as what environment I'll be using it in, and what I'll be using it for: I'll be running Windows 7 with bootcamp, so I'm going to keep running SONAR, at least for now. I'm using SONAR 6, I haven't decided if I'm going to upgrade or switch to mac software. If I do switch, I want something that will be compatible with that software as well. I'm looking to record vocals, piano, guitar, maybe drums down the line. I'd also like to have something I can use for a music practice- if I can have inputs for piano/vocals/guitar (roughly 5 or 6 1/4"/XLR inputs) and pipe that out to an amp, that'd help me avoid buying a PA. I have a MacBook Pro too, so a mobile interface would probably be a really good fit for me.

My first thought was the PreSonus FireStudio Mobile, mostly based on the price and the inputs/connections. But I've been reading about driver support and SONAR integration, and I'm not hearing great stuff. I was also looking at the Focusrite Saffire PRO 14, which seems to have a better reputation for sound/dependability, but that only has 4 1/4" or XLR inputs.

These two are both in the $250-$300 range, and I'd be willing to spend up to $400, maybe $500 if I absolutely had to, but really no more than that. Any great advice?

Norrie, thanks for the response.. the Octa-Capture looks pretty cool, but I'm a little concerned that at $600, it's a little out of my price range. In the same range but slightly cheaper, I was looking at the MOTU 8PRE, which is a little bit less mobile and doesn't have on-board compression but that's ok. But I'd really have to convince myself that the extra $$$ is worth it.


After some searching, I'm also seeing the Mackie Onyx 820i. This would also fit my price range and input needs, but I don't see many people using it. I'm not sure if I need something this bulky, especially considering that I'll do any post-recording mixing on the computer, but I imagine this might be easier for practice sessions.


I'm also seeing other reviews that the PreSonus isn't so bad after all, so I'm really up in the air.